With an eye on public safety, the Falls Township Supervisors set the wheels in motion for greater pedestrian protection along a state-owned roadway.
Earlier this summer, the supervisors unanimously approved a proposal from Remington & Vernick Engineers to install rectangular rapid flash beacon traffic control devices on New Falls Road and Vermillion Drive. Even though New Falls Road is owned by the state, Supervisor Vice Chairman Jeff Boraski said the township is sponsoring the pedestrian improvements.
“The township felt it was in our best interest and the residents’ best interest to move forward with this project,” said Boraski.
Driving along New Falls Road from Penn Valley Road to Tyburn Road, you can see a couple of memorials already in place, he said.
The walkways will be equipped with wired push buttons for crossing on both sides of the crosswalk, Boraski said, adding that the township will call on police to step up enforcement in the area.
“We’ve had some incidents there and probably more close calls than you can imagine,” he said. “We want the traffic to stop to allow these children and their families to cross safely.”
Boraski added that the project is “a step in the right direction” in improving safety along New Falls Road.
Township Manager Matthew Takita said he anticipates construction beginning in a few months and the project concluding in roughly six months.
Rectangular rapid flash beacons are designed to increase driver awareness of pedestrians crossing roadways at marked mid-block crossings. The beacons consist of rectangular shaped amber LED lights installed below pedestrian warning signs.
The pedestrian safety upgrades are expected to cost $57,177 based on Remington & Vernick Engineers’ proposal.
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